Introduction
Dissociative Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (DDNOS) is a mental health diagnosis that is used to describe dissociative symptoms that do not meet the full criteria for any other dissociative disorder. DDNOS is a relatively new diagnosis, having been introduced in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV in 1994.
A residual category of disorders not fitting to a specific category.
Definition
DDNOS is characterized by a disruption in the usually integrative functions of consciousness, memory, identity, or perception of the environment. Symptoms of DDNOS can vary widely, but may include:
- Depersonalization: A feeling of detachment from oneself, as if one is watching oneself from outside one’s body.
- Derealization: A feeling of detachment from one’s surroundings, as if one is in a dream or a movie.
- Dissociative amnesia: Memory loss that is not due to a medical condition or substance abuse.
- Dissociative fugue: A sudden, unexpected travel away from home or one’s usual place of work or school, with an inability to recall one’s past.
- Dissociative trance: A state of reduced awareness of one’s surroundings or oneself, with stereotyped behaviors or unresponsiveness.
History
The symptoms of DDNOS have been recognized for centuries, but they were not formally classified as a mental disorder until the 19th century. In the early 20th century, the symptoms of DDNOS were often diagnosed as hysteria. In the 1980s, the diagnosis of multiple personality disorder (MPD) became increasingly popular. However, in the 1990s, it became clear that MPD was often misdiagnosed, and the diagnosis was replaced with dissociative identity disorder (DID).
Characteristics
The symptoms of DDNOS can be severe and debilitating, and they can have a significant impact on a person’s life. People with DDNOS may have difficulty functioning at work, school, or in relationships. They may also have difficulty with self-care and may be at risk for self-harm or suicide.
Treatment
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for DDNOS. Treatment may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Therapy can help people with DDNOS to understand their symptoms and to develop coping mechanisms. Medication can help to reduce the severity of symptoms.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
- Brown, R. J., & Fromm, E. (1986). Hypnotherapy and hypnoanalysis. New York: Basic Books.
- Cardeña, E. (1994). The domain of dissociation. In S. J. Lynn & J. Rhue (Eds.), Dissociation: Clinical and theoretical aspects (pp. 1-31). New York: Guilford Press.
- Coons, P. M. (1994). Dissociative disorders and trauma: A clinical guide. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
- Dell, P. F. (2006). Dissociation and the dissociative disorders: DSM-V and beyond. New York: Routledge.